Radon test kits available through Nimkee Clinic

Observer Staff

2/1/2006 12:00:00 AM

The Nimkee Clinic Public Health Division has free radon test kits available during the month of February.

Radon is a tasteless, odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rock. It normally goes up and out to the atmosphere where it is quickly diluted, but it sometimes enters a house through openings in the foundation floor or walls. Years ago a problem was not readily visible because homes were not as well insulated. Unfortunately, with better insulation, it traps the gas inside. If there are elevated levels in the home, the level of radon gas can be reduced. Sometimes filling cracks is all that is needed.

Exposure to these levels in the home increases the chance of developing lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America.

Testing for radon gas is very easy. Tests need to be done in the cold weather months. All you need to do is put a test kit in your home and let it sit for 72 hours. The kits will be placed in the lowest-livable room in your home (not in the crawl space). After the test is completed, it is sent to the laboratory for results. The results will be sent back directly from the lab.

For more information about radon gas or to get a test kit, contact Robyn Grinzinger at (989) 775-4649 or stop by Nimkee Public Health.